Despite having the best first-half start in their history, the Red Bulls say they’re trying to add a third Designated Player. And while multiple sources close to both the player and the team told the Post it won’t be Stephen Ireland, Red Bulls coach Hans Backe did say they are actively in negotiations with their specific target.

“Yeah, absolutely. We are looking for that. We are in negotiations but that will probably take time,’’ said head coach Hans Backe, who declined to specify who the star was. “I don’t say anything.’’

They have been incessantly and persistently linked to Ireland, Aston Villa’s mercurial midfielder. And while Ireland is clearly unsettled, and Aston Villa’s Paul Lambert told the Birmingham Mail he expected a few players to arrive and some to leave, multiple source told the Post Ireland won’t be headed to the Red Bulls.

“I don’t see (how) Stephen will come to Red Bulls,” a source close to the Irish midfielder told the Post.

Meanwhile, midfielder Simon Cziommer from Red Bull Salzburg – who would fit in the non-Designated Player realm – has also been linked with a move to New York. But a high-placed source within the team said “Neither are options for is.’’

But that doesn’t mean the club is standing pat. They’re moving forward in negotiations to acquire another Designated to join Terry Henry and Rafa Marquez, and Backe said there are no complications from MLS, and that the transfer fee will be less of a problem that agreeing on personal terms.

“No (problems from MLS),’’ said Backe. “It’s always difficult to finish personal terms. They take time.’’

Reports surfaced from Russia that Alexander Hleb – whose time at Arsenal and on the books at Barcelona intersected with Henry – has been offered a deal by the Red Bulls.